#chocobae

‘She’s so pretty,’ is what Prompto thinks the first time he lays his eyes on you.

It’s at the arcade on one of Prompto’s after-school excursions with Noct when he catches sight of you. Your uniform tells him that you share the same school, but it’s clear that you’re in different classes due to the unfamiliarity of your identity.

Neon lights of the rhythm game you were preoccupied with illuminate your frame, but it’s the look of sheer glee on your face that really catches Prompto’s attention. There’s something about that grin of yours that Prompto can’t seem to shake off, even after Noct has already beaten him at the shooter game they came here to play.

“Hey,” says Noct, waving a hand in front of Prompto’s face. “You okay?”

Prompto blinks, Noct’s words snapping him out of his stupor. “H-huh?”

“I beat you twice now,” Noct tells him, “and I never beat you at this dumb game. Your aim’s off.”

Prompto isn’t one to toot his own horn, but there’s no denying that he is the absolute best when it comes to shooter games. He just never misses. Today is apparently an exception, and it’s all thanks to you.

“O-oh, sorry.” Prompto clears his throat before letting out a nervous chuckle. “I’m just distracted, I guess.”

“Yeah, distracted by a certain someone over there.”

Noct may have a reputation for dozing off and leaving an overwhelming amount of untidiness in his wake (Ignis would argue that “overwhelming” doesn’t even begin to cover just how much of a mess Noct’s living quarters are), but he’s anything but unobservant.

“What? No!” Prompto screeches as he flails around Noct. “I was not staring at that girl playing Guitar Hero!”

“I never said you were drooling over anyone playing Guitar Hero,” Noct retorts with a smirk. “I was actually referring to the Chocobo plushie at the prize station. But hey, don’t let me stop you from crushing on her.”

At this, Prompto blushes. “Noooct!”

It seems Prompto’s voice is much louder than he thinks because all of a sudden, you turn your attention towards him, having failed at the song you were playing on the arcade machine. It’s at this moment that Prompto can practically feel his heart stop, because when your eyes meet, it’s as if everything else vanishes.

Prompto can’t help but stare, his mouth left slightly ajar. He’s a big appreciator of beauty, after all, and gosh were you one work of art. His face burns all the more when you offer a small smile of acknowledgement before scurrying off with your friends.

“I…” he starts, gazing at you as you cramp yourself into a photobooth with your comrades. “I think I’m in love.”

Noct scoffs. “Get a grip.”

*

The next time Prompto sees you is during his lunch break a few days later. He’s making his way towards Noct’s desk (“I hope Iggy made a new batch of those tarts!”) when a small voice from the classroom doorway reaches his ears.

“Excuse me?” you call out, hoping to catch someone’s attention.

Prompto ignores the voice, thinking it wasn’t anything that required his presence. He’s nearly at Noct’s desk when someone hollers, “Yo, Argentum!”

Prompto turns, seeing one of his classmates beckon for him. “Yeah?”

“Someone’s looking for you.” His classmate motions towards the entrance, causing Prompto to direct his gaze towards the classroom doors. His eyes slowly widen when he realizes who it is that’s waiting for him.

It’s you.

Prompto gulps, already feeling his palms begin to sweat. What in the world were you doing here, looking for him of all people? The blond boy blinks once. Twice. He’s staring at you, dumbstruck, before he belatedly grasps that you’re still patiently waiting for him to approach you.

So that’s what he does. Slowly. Almost robotically. Prompto doesn’t know what to think, being too caught up in the reality that he is making his way towards you. What is he supposed to say? What did you even want from him in the first place? Did you feel a connection just as he had at the arcade? Was it love at first sight for you as well? Could you-

-wait. Maybe you noticed that he was with Noct that day at the arcade. You were probably just here to ask about his friend, weren’t you? That’s definitely the case. Why want him when you can have the Crown Prince of Insomnia? You’d probably be a better match with Noct anyway. You’re much too pretty to be with someone like-

“Prompto Argentum?” you ask unsurely as the boy in question finally reaches you.

“Ye-yeah…?” Did his voice just crack? Astrals above, he was reverting into a prepubescent teen right in front of you!

“Hi,” you say, offering your name and a hand to shake. “You’re friends with Prince Noctis, right?”

Prompto’s too caught up in the feel of your hand in his (‘So soft,’ he thinks dazedly) to register the words that came out of your mouth. “What?”

You clear your throat, ushering him outside for more privacy. “Prince Noctis — you’re friends with him, right? I think I saw him next to you a few days ago at the arcade…?”

Prompto’s heart drops. He was right. Of course you were here looking for Noct. Of course. He sighs dejectedly, unable to contain the frown that was now marring his freckled face. Running a hand through his hair, he says, “Yeah, Noct’s a buddy of mine. Why d’you ask?”

The subtle blush on your cheeks — as darling as it was — was a tell-tale sign that Noct was the apple of your eye. “Well…”

“Want me to put in a good word for you?”

“I’m sorry?”

Prompto manages to reel his frown into a pout. “You’re here because you wanna know how to get into his good graces, right? I mean, I can’t blame you. My best friend’s a piece of work!” Prompto’s trying to sound chipper, he really is, but he can already feel his heart breaking. He didn’t even get to start anything with you — not even a mere friendship — before handing you over to someone else.

“Um, well,” you stumble a bit with your words, and it’s here that Prompto detects what seems to be a hint of embarrassment. “I do want to know how to catch Prince Noctis’ attention, but it’s not for my sake.”

The tightness in his chest — a pressure Prompto didn’t even realize was there — suddenly loosens. He raises his brows questioningly. “It’s for whose sake, then?”

“My friend,” you answer. “She’s a sweet girl who’s got a massive crush on the Prince. I told her to just walk up to him and say hi, but she was pretty adamant for some sort of intel before making a move.” You fumble with the skirt of your uniform before continuing. “I remembered seeing the two of you hanging out, so I figured you would be the best source of information on our royal schoolmate.”

Prompto says nothing, too dumbfounded by the turn of events. So you didn’t have the hots for Noct? Does that mean that he, Prompto Argentum, might have a chance? ‘Don’t get your hopes too high, Prompto,’ he reminds himself, taking notice of how you’re squirming at his silence.

You perceive his lack of response as a signal to continue. “I know it’s kinda… weird, asking something like this of you, but you seem like a nice guy and an even better friend to the Prince. I don’t need to know anything personal about him, but it’d help if you could-“

“Sure,” Prompto chirps easily, already feeling more at ease thanks to the knowledge that you aren’t actually here for Noct. Well, technically, you are, but it’s not for your own personal purposes.

Your rambling is cut short. “Really?”

The look of surprise on your face is absolutely adorable. Prompto has to mentally remind himself not to squeal at how precious you are. “Really.”

You let out a sigh of relief. “Bless you.”

“So whaddya wanna know?”

You shrug. “Anything, really. What does he like? Favorite video games? Dislikes?” You take a step closer, dropping your voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Boxers or briefs?”

Prompto chokes, not at your joke, but at how close you are. You smell like a dream. “Ex… excuse me?!”

Despite being caught off guard at your close proximity, Prompto can’t help but marvel at how delightful your laugh is. Such a beautiful sound is music to his ears, and it warms his heart knowing that he is the cause of your momentary happiness.

“I’m just kidding.” You wave your hand about, already beginning to contain your giggles. Prompto wishes he could hear more of it, though.

“I knew that,” he mumbles. “Well, uh… let’s see.” Prompto rubs his chin thoughtfully, trying to figure out what he can divulge without exploiting his best friend’s privacy. “He has a bit of a sweet tooth.”

“Really now?” You hum contemplatively. “I never would have guessed.”

“Yeah. Did you know that he hates veggies?”

You snort at this. “How old is he, seven?”

“On the inside, yeah.”

His answer makes you grin. “This is more than enough. Thank you, Prompto.”

Your hand latches onto his forearm, giving it an appreciative squeeze. The jolts of electricity he feels at your touch is both alarming and incredible at the same time. “My pleasure.” ‘Really, it was a pleasure getting to talk to you.’

“I hope you can keep this from the Prince though,” you state with a bite of your lip. “It might be awkward if he finds out I’m borderline stalking him, even if I’m doing it for someone else’s benefit.”

Your lip biting makes Prompto just want to kiss you now, but pouncing on attractive people just isn’t in his nature. He may not be royalty, but he’s definitely well-mannered. “As you wish, m’lady.” He bows jokingly, earning another soft laugh from you. “I have one question, though.”

“What’s that?”

“How’d you know who I am?”

“Oh.” Was that a blush returning to your face yet again? “That part was fairly easy.” Tucking a stray hair behind your ear — almost shyly, Prompto thinks — you say, “I just had to ask around for the name of the cute blondie who hangs around Prince Noctis all the time.”

You answer wasn’t one he was expecting. You… you think he’s cute? Surely Prompto must have misheard? Your words leave him speechless, so you take it upon yourself to fill the silence once more.

“Anyway, I’ve held you up long enough. Thanks again, Prompto! I really owe you one!”

Prompto’s gaze lingers in your direction even long after you’ve disappeared. He’s still in shock that you actually called him cute. Cute. How is this even real life?

He makes his way back inside the classroom with only one thought in mind: ‘She’s so much prettier up close.’

*

Prompto sees you a lot after that. Things might not have worked out between Noct and that friend of yours, but everything is definitely going smoothly for Prompto and his blossoming friendship with you. It’s a little odd that it was a schoolgirl crush on his best friend that led to a new companionship with you, but Prompto isn’t complaining. In fact, he thanks the Six everyday for bringing the two of you together.

Since that initial meeting, the two of you have become fast friends. Several lunch breaks have been spent in each other’s company. You’ve brought him into your small bubble of interests, (“Kingdom Hearts is the best game there is! You just have to give it a chance, Prompto!”) and have even indulged him in his photography by allowing him to snap a photo or two (or dozen) of yourself, even if you are a bit camera shy.

You’ve even hung out with Noct himself a couple of times, and to Prompto’s relief, the Crown Prince seems to like you enough as well. (“You have my blessing,” Noct tells him, to which Prompto responds, “Blessing for what?!”)

The more time spent together, the deeper his feelings for you become, and Prompto can’t really say he isn’t happy about it. It complicates things, sure, but the sentiments he feels for you are such nice feelings that he doesn’t even care anymore if his stupid crush grows more and more each day.

No matter what he does, Prompto just can’t seem to get enough of you. For all his joking about being a plebeian, Prompto feels like actual royalty whenever he’s around you. Growing up, Prompto often felt like a shadow next to the rest of his peers, but whenever he hears your charming laughter, it’s as if the entirety of Eos is within his grasp. Your bright smile rivals the sun, and in all his years behind the lens, Prompto swears he’s never seen anything quite as breathtaking as your happiness.

Prompto is completely content basking in your company at any given opportunity. Never mind the fact that he harbors the biggest crush on you. It’s one thing to have the balls to work through his nerves just to befriend you, but it’s an entirely different conquest to actually spill his guts out and make his true feelings known.

He’s not going to put you in that position. Prompto doesn’t even know if you feel that way about him; you might have your eyes on someone else, and confessing his yearning for you would just place your friendship in shambles. He may put on a brave face, but on the inside, Prompto is merely too scared of potential rejection (and, more importantly, losing you) to even consider thinking about pursuing some kind of romance with you.

It’s clear, then, that you’re a much braver soul than he is, because one day several months into your friendship, you disclose something that changes your dynamic forever.

“I have to tell you something,” you begin with yet another bite of your lip.

Having been with you for a considerable amount of time, Prompto knows by now that lip biting is a nervous tick of yours. His brows furrow at your unease. “Yeah?”

“Promise you won’t get mad?” The way you fold into yourself tugs at his heart rather painfully. Why do you sound so… scared?

“As if I could ever get mad at you,” he responds in what he hopes to be a soothing tone.

“Okay.” You take in a deep breath. “I like you.” Prompto opens his mouth to reciprocate (he likes you too, and he’s glad you seem to like his company enough to keep him around all this time), but you hold up a hand to stop him. “And before you misunderstand, I mean that I like you. As in I’ve had a crush on you since day one.”

If he’s being completely honest, Prompto has actually dreamed of the possibility that you might return his feelings. But for such a fantasy to actually be a reality? And for a confession to come out of you and not him? It’s almost unreal.

Becoming flabbergasted around you seems to be a recurring theme because Prompto is left stunned by your sudden outburst of feelings. All he could do is stare wide-eyed at you in shock. Someone as pretty as you — as gorgeous, as beautiful, as perfect as you — actually likes a good-for-nothing like himself?

“I’m dreaming again, aren’t I?” he murmurs almost incoherently, but you’re able to work past his bewildered tone to make sense of his words.

“You’re not,” you assure him. To further reinforce that this is indeed reality, you give his cheek a small squeeze. “See? You’re awake.”

“I’m… I’m awake.”

“Yeah.”

“This is… real life?”

“As real as Noct’s hatred of lettuce.”

“Okay, that’s definitely real then.” Prompto fumbles with his wristband a little anxiously before continuing. “I, uh, I like you too. Like a crush,” he adds. “I’m… Six, you’re perfect to me.”

Prompto didn’t know it then, but his declaration made all the butterflies in your tummy go wild.

“You’re… you’re perfect to me too, Prompto,” you return, your agitated expression morphing into one of joy.

“I am?” While he doesn’t take you for a liar, Prompto finds it hard to believe that you, an actual blessing from all the higher beings that be, actually find him even remotely close to perfect. In fact, Prompto has often believed that he was far from something good, let alone an embodiment of perfection. But to hear such praise from you? It’s difficult to swallow, but somehow, it feels so right because it’s coming from you.

You nod, linking your hand with his. “You are.”

The blond lets out a low whistle to ease his nerves. “So… since day one, huh?” He’s trying to come off as teasing, but really, he’s the one who’s losing his marbles on the inside.

Despite the redness of your cheeks (Prompto still can’t believe that he is the one responsible for evoking such a physical reaction from you), your response is confident and certain. “Since day one, yeah. I was actually glad that my friend asked me to help with her crush on Noct, because then it gave me an excuse to talk to you.”

His heart melts then and there. “I guess we have your friend to thank for this, huh?”

“I guess so.” You scoot a little closer to him, and Prompto is practically dying internally by now. “Prompto?”

“Y-yeah?”

“We’re okay, right?”

Prompto wraps his arm around you as a means of comfort. “We’re more than okay.”

“So you’ll kiss me now, right?”

“Yeah- wait, WHAT?!”

Your giggles worm their way into the pounding of his heart. Looking at you — deeply, thoughtfully, lovingly — Prompto can’t help but think, ‘She’s so pretty.’

Prompto thinks you can’t get any prettier than you already are at this moment in time. How can you improve on perfection, after all? It’s only after you share your first kiss — one of many in the years to come — that he realizes he’s mistaken.

“The picture was taken four years ago, hon!” Cindy laughedat the troubled blond.

“Try telling her that!” Prompto answered, his voice lacedwith fear as he bit down on his fingernails.

“Help a girl understand, Prom. I might be able to help ya!”she said while whipping some grease from her hands with a dirty piece of cloth.She was willing to help him win your trust back. Cindy knew you loved Promptomore than anything, just as he loved you. She also wouldn’t let something as innocentas a picture –of herself –be the reason for you two to fall apart.

Prompto took a deep breath, composing himself as his mindrun back at the day’s morning.

He had just come backfrom a hunt with Gladiolus. Tired and sleep deprived, Prompto fell –face first –onthe couch at your shared apartment in Lestallum.

You and the marksmanhad been together for almost a year but with the Darkness spreading everywhere,Prompto wanted to keep you close in order to protect you.

It didn’t take himlong to hear the whimpers coming from the bedroom.

He got off the couchand stepped closer to the closed door lightly, not wanting to startle you. Hehugged the door and placed his ear against it. Soft whimpers, sniffs and crieswere coming out. All of them from you!

Prompto thought for aseconds before knocking. What could possibly be wrong?

One knock and a softcall of your name made you stop and make yourself presentable before moving tothe door. You opened it and made your way past a worried Prompto withoutlooking at him.

“Baby?” his voice wassoft; the absence of a response or even a look from you, made him crazynervous! What’s wrong?!

You moved past thecouch he was previously laid upon, not even paying attention to the mud he’dbrought in the house, and he instantly knew he was in trouble!

He didn’t know what itwas he’d done wrong by you, but he was definitely in trouble if you didn’t commenton the dirt stains –that would drive you mad even in your best days.

You reached thekitchen table and threw a single picture on it.

Only then turning tolook at your boyfriend’s eyes while crossing your arms to your chest.

Prompto moved closerto where you stood, taking the picture in his hands and smiling at the memoryit triggered.

It was the one Noctishad taken at the rocky path across from Hammerhead. Where they’d met Cindywhile she was out for her morning hike.

The picture showed aposing Cindy and Prompto’s awkward yet ecstatic smile; standing very close toeach other.

“Where did you findthis?” Prompto smiled a wide smile “I thought I’d lost it!”

At this point, thesmile you had come to love more than the sun itself, was starting to piss youoff!

“In your diary.” You saidsharply, moving a lock of hair behind your ear “Surrounded by little red heartsand ‘Cindy x Prompto’s!”

The blond’s eyes whenwide at the idea of you finding such a childish thing in his belongings;suddenly realizing your tone was anything but playful.

“Chocobae…” hebreathed, reaching out to you with his hand so he could caress your anger filledfeatures, but you moved back quickly enough to avoid his touch.

“Do you still havefeelings for her?” the words fell from your lips faster that they moved in yourbrain.

“What?” he huffed alaugh, making you even angrier.

“You heard me,Prompto!” you barked, taking him aback; hot tears threatening both of you “Doyou still love her?”

“Y/N…I…” Promptostuttered, trying to find the words to tell you what was on his mind. Trying tofind the right words so you would believe him.

But you never gave hima chance to explain himself. Making quick assumptions of the situation at handand remembering Iris and Gladiolus joking around about his love for Hammerhead,you didn’t waste any time connecting the wrong dots.

Clenching your jaw in disappointment,you whipped the tears that had fallen just seconds ago and left the apartment,unsure of your destination. It didn’t matter at that moment, you just wanted tostay as far away from him as possible.

Prompto explained the situation to Cindy and she fixed herhat before asking the only reasonable question she could think of whilefrowning her brows at him “Well, why are you ‘ere then?”

The blond ruffled the hair on the back of his head andchuckled as he tried not to sound like a complete dick about the wholesituation “Well…” his voice trembled but he covered it up with yet anotherchuckle “I know how stubborn Y/N can be.” He made a small pause, looking atCindy, who already knew the ending of his sentence.

“So you thought she might come ‘ere lookin’ for trouble.” Shenodded, finishing his thoughts for him before he agreed “Damn, boy.” She shookher head as he shrugged, silently apologizing.

Time went by and you were nowhere to be found, so Promptodecided to help Cindy around the garage, something she appreciated but didn’treally like, since he created more problems than he solved.

Cindy moved closer to him so she could politely tell him tostand aside and let her do her job, when she slipped in a puddle of oil! She wassure to fall flat on her ass with a loud thud, but Prompto was quick to catchher mid-air –right when you stepped inside the garage area!

“For the Astrals’ sake” you breathed in exasperation whilelooking at what seemed like a romantic movie scene “Why am I here?” you askedGladiolus, who was standing right next to you. He was the one you turned to ashe’s always been like an older brother to you. Gladio kicked your ass foracting like a jerk and made you find and talk to Prompto.

Both Gladiolus’ eyebrows were raised; he was also kind ofsurprised, but he knew better.

“You’re here so Prompto can explain himself” Gladio saidwhile crossing his arms at his chest as Cindy and Prompto jumped away from eachother fast “And I really wanna hear about this!”

“Well, I don’t.” you deadpanned, jealousy taking the betterof you once again “I’ve seen enough.”

“Chocobae, stop.” Prompto’s voice was barely heard as hereached out, grabbing your hand gently in his.

You turned around to see that both of you had shed a commontear as the situation had gotten bad, fast.

“Prom…”

“Marry me!” he blurted out and the whole world around youfroze. Suddenly it was just you and him. Nothing else! You two and the emotionsyou once again shared.

“What?” you breathed surprised.

“I mean…” he laughed awkwardly at his own outburst, lookingat the space between you “Will you?” his teary blue eyes were now staring atyours “Marry me?”

“What about…”

“He ain’t for me sweetheart!” Cindy cut you off quickly,knowing exactly what you were thinking “’sides, I ain’t got time for all thatdrama! My babies ‘re waitin’.”

In that moment, everything was clear!

How Cindy was always ‘married’ to her work. How Promptowould never do something like that. How sorry you were and how much you lovedhim!